U.S. patent number 8,852,198 [Application Number 13/379,966] was granted by the patent office on 2014-10-07 for surgical guiding tool, methods for manufacture and uses thereof.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Materialise N.V.. The grantee listed for this patent is Tim Clijmans, Karla De Smedt, Frederik Gelaude. Invention is credited to Tim Clijmans, Karla De Smedt, Frederik Gelaude.
United States Patent |
8,852,198 |
De Smedt , et al. |
October 7, 2014 |
Surgical guiding tool, methods for manufacture and uses thereof
Abstract
The present invention provides surgical guiding tools for
surgery on a bone head comprising a cutting component, a guiding
component and a collar comprising a patient-specific component,
which are interconnected and which ensure secure and accurate
placement of the guiding tool and thus guarantee accurate
implementation of the pre-operative planning of the surgical
intervention.
Inventors: |
De Smedt; Karla (Mechelen,
BE), Gelaude; Frederik (Leuven, BE),
Clijmans; Tim (Heverlee, BE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
De Smedt; Karla
Gelaude; Frederik
Clijmans; Tim |
Mechelen
Leuven
Heverlee |
N/A
N/A
N/A |
BE
BE
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Materialise N.V. (Leuven,
BE)
|
Family
ID: |
43465809 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/379,966 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2010 |
PCT
Filed: |
July 16, 2010 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2010/060350 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
March 12, 2012 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2011/007002 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
January 20, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120165820 A1 |
Jun 28, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12505237 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
8414591 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 17, 2009 [GB] |
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0912431.4 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/175 (20130101); Y10T 29/49826 (20150115); B33Y
80/00 (20141201); A61B 2034/105 (20160201) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/58 (20060101); A61B 17/60 (20060101); A61F
2/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;606/89 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1 797 834 |
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Jun 2007 |
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EP |
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1588668 |
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Dec 2008 |
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EP |
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1864617 |
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Oct 2009 |
|
EP |
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98/06359 |
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Feb 1998 |
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WO |
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2005/110250 |
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Nov 2005 |
|
WO |
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WO 2008/014618 |
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Feb 2008 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
PCT Notification Concerning Transmittal of International
Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Jan. 17, 2012 for PCT
Application No. PCT/EP2010/060350, 9 pages. cited by applicant
.
The International Search Report dated Nov. 8, 2010 for PCT
Application No. PCT/EP2010/060350. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Bates; David
Assistant Examiner: Hanna; Samuel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: EIP US LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A patient-specific surgical guiding tool for a head and a neck
of a major limb bone comprising: (i) a guiding component having a
central axis for guiding a surgical instrument, wherein the
surgical instrument has a central axis that corresponds to the
central axis of the guiding component, (ii) a cutting component
comprising two or more cutting elements having edges, the cutting
component configured to be positioned so as to cut in the cartilage
of the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool
on the bone head, (iii) a collar configured to span a contour of
the neck of the major limb bone over about 180 degrees and further
configured to retain an opening which allows passage of the neck at
at least its smallest diameter and comprising a patient-specific
component configured to directly interlock with a corresponding
patient-specific surface on the neck of the major limb bone, (iv) a
connecting structure configured to connect the collar to said
cutting component and/or to said guiding component, such that said
collar, said cutting component and said guiding component are
interconnected; wherein said connecting structure forms at least
one aperture configured to allow passage of the bone head and
further configured to ensure placement of the guiding component on
the bone head upon placement of the collar on the neck of the major
limb bone, whereby lines connecting the edges of said aperture and
said central axis of the guiding component form an angle for which
an interior bisector can be determined, wherein the two or more
cutting elements are positioned such that a cutting element is
present at both sides of said at least one aperture and at a
maximal angle of 90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle
formed by the lines connecting the edges of the aperture and a
central axis of the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical
guiding tool on the major limb bone head, wherein the central axis
of the guiding component is positioned in or in the extension of
the central axis of the head of the major limb bone upon placement
of the surgical guiding tool on the major limb bone head, wherein
edges of said two or more cutting elements are positioned in a
plane perpendicular to the central axis of the guiding component,
and wherein said two or more cutting elements are interconnected by
one or more ring structures configured to span the contour of the
head of the major limb bone by at least 180 degrees.
2. The surgical guiding tool according to claim 1, wherein the
edges of said two or more cutting elements are all positioned in
the same plane.
3. The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein at least two of the two or
more cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of
the aperture and each at an angle of about 75.degree. from the
interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture and the central axis of the head of the major
limb bone.
4. The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein at least two of the two or
more cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of
the aperture and each at an angle of 80.degree. from the interior
bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the edges of
the aperture and the central axis of the head of the major limb
bone.
5. The surgical guiding tool according to claim 1, wherein said
guiding component is positioned perpendicular to the plane formed
by the edges of the two or more cutting elements.
6. The surgical guiding tool according to claim 1, wherein said
collar spans the contour of the neck of the major limb bone over
more than 180.degree..
7. The surgical guiding tool according to claim 1, wherein the
collar spans the major limb bone neck over more than 180.degree.
and wherein the collar forms a plane with one longitudinal axis and
said opening is positioned such that an axis connecting the ends of
the opening is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
plane formed by the collar.
8. The surgical guiding tool of claim 7, wherein the opening is
positioned such that the axis connecting the ends of the opening is
parallel with the longitudinal axis of the plane formed by the
collar.
9. A method for manufacturing a patient-specific surgical guiding
tool for a surgical intervention on a head of a major limb bone
according to claim 1, said method comprising: (a) obtaining volume
information from an image of the major limb bone neck and
optionally the major limb bone head, (b) identifying and selecting
one or more parts of the major limb bone neck, which contain
sufficient features to be patient-specific, (c) determining an
appropriate position of the guiding component with regard to the
major limb bone head; and (d) preparing the surgical guiding tool
wherein: (i) a position of the connecting structure, the cutting
component and the collar is determined based on the image of the
major limb bone head and neck obtained in step (a), (ii) the collar
comprises a patient-specific component comprising at least one
patient-specific area based on the patient-specific parts of the
neck identified in step (b), and (iii) the guiding component is
positioned in the surgical guiding tool such that, upon placement
of the guiding tool on the major limb bone head and neck, the
guiding component is positioned as determined in step (c).
10. A method for accurate positioning of a surgical instrument on a
head of a major limb bone, which method comprises: (a) providing a
surgical guiding tool as defined in claim 1, whereby the
patient-specific component is made complementary to a surface of
the major limb bone neck of the patient, and the guiding component
is designed to guide said surgical instrument in a predefined
trajectory; (b) securing the surgical guiding tool on the major
limb bone head and neck by positioning the surgical guiding tool
with the opening of the collar facing the major limb bone neck such
that the patient specific component of the collar is aligned at an
angle with its complementary surface on the major limb bone neck,
moving the surgical guiding tool over the major limb bone head such
that the central axis of the major limb bone head or neck is
perpendicular to the direction of the movement until the tool is
positioned over the major limb bone head and neck, rotating the
surgical guiding tool to align the collar with the neck of the
major limb bone such that the patient-specific component of the
collar locks into the complementary surface of the neck of the
major limb bone, thereby applying pressure on the two or more
cutting elements that are positioned at opposite sides of the
aperture so as to cut a groove in the cartilage of the major limb
bone head; and (c) introducing the surgical instrument through the
guiding component.
11. The method for accurate positioning of a surgical instrument
onto a head of a major limb bone according to claim 10, which
method comprises: (a) providing a surgical guiding tool, whereby
the patient-specific component is made complementary to a surface
of the major limb bone neck of the patient, and the guiding
component is designed to guide said surgical instrument in a
predefined trajectory; (b) securing the surgical guiding tool on
the major limb bone head and neck by introducing the smallest
diameter of the major limb bone neck through the opening of the
collar and placing the surgical guiding tool over the major limb
bone head; and rotating the surgical guiding tool to align the
collar with the neck of the major limb bone such that the
patient-specific component of the collar locks into the
complementary surface of the neck of the major limb bone, thereby
applying pressure on the two or more cutting elements that are
positioned at opposite sides of the aperture so as to cut a groove
in the cartilage of the major limb bone head; and (c) introducing
the surgical instrument through the guiding component.
12. A method for the accurate positioning of an instrument onto a
head of a major limb bone, which method comprises: (a) providing a
surgical guiding tool as defined in claim 1, whereby the
patient-specific component is made complementary to a surface of
the major limb bone neck of the patient and the guiding component
is designed to guide said surgical instrument in a predefined
trajectory; (b) securing the surgical guiding tool on the major
limb bone head and neck by positioning the surgical guiding tool
with the opening of the collar facing the major limb bone neck such
that the patient specific component of the collar is aligned in
parallel with its complementary surface on the major limb bone
neck, and moving the surgical guiding tool over the major limb bone
head such that the central axis of the major limb bone head or neck
is perpendicular to the direction of the movement until the
patient-specific component of the collar locks into the
complementary surface of the neck of the major limb bone, thereby
applying pressure to said one or more cutting elements that are
positioned at opposite sides of the aperture so as to cut a groove
in the cartilage of the major limb bone head; and (c) introducing
the surgical instrument through the guiding component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is U.S. National phase of PCT Application No.
PCT/EP2010/060350, filed Jul. 16, 2010, which claims priority to
European Application No. 0912431.4, filed Jul. 17, 2009 and U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/505,237, filed Jul. 17, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to surgical guiding tools which are
of use during limb bone surgery, more specifically during limb bone
resurfacing surgery for guiding a surgical instrument. The present
invention further relates to methods for manufacturing these tools
and specific methods for using the surgical guiding tools of the
invention in limb bone resurfacing surgery.
BACKGROUND
One of the options in the treatment of advance joint arthrosis is
joint resurfacing, i.e. removing only the diseased or damaged
surfaces of the head of the bone. In the United States, hip
resurfacing was first approved by the FDA based on the Birmingham
Hip Resurfacing (BHR) technology developed by Derek McMinn. The BHR
has a mushroom shape with a metal cap for placement on the femur
head which fits into a cup placed in the acetabulum. The cap is
fixed onto the head of the femur by way of a very small stem which
is introduced through the femur head (and neck)
Hip resurfacing or hip surface replacement has a number of
advantages over classical hip replacement therapy. The main
advantage of the bone conserving system of hip resurfacing is that
femoral head and femoral canal can be preserved such that when a
revision is required, there is still a complete femur bone left for
a stem in case total replacement becomes necessary. Moreover, there
is more chance that the natural gait is recovered and the stress is
transferred in a natural way through the neck of the femur rather
than immediately on the thigh (which often causes pain). Finally,
as resurfacing devices can be made in metal or other wear-resistant
material, the resurfaced hip has a low wear rate such that even a
young patient will probably not outlive the implant. In most cases,
bone head resurfacing will be preferable over procedures which
involve total bone head replacement.
The satisfactory performance of a joint surface replacement device
is determined not only by the design of the device itself, but also
by the surgical positioning of the implanted component(s) and the
proper fixation of the implant. Improper placement or positioning
of the implant will not only result in a failure to restore the
clinical bio-mechanics of the joint but will result in inadequate
fixation of the implant to the bone. To ensure the correct
installation of a new surface on the head with resurfacing device
use is made of guiding tools which can ensure the appropriate
position and orientation of cutting, drilling and preparation tools
based on pre-operative planning of the surgical intervention.
A number of different alignment devices have been described in the
art.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,735 discloses a drill alignment apparatus which
is mounted on top of a drill handle and comprises an alignment rod
and a clamp apparatus for fixing onto the bone. By placing the
clamp on the bone, the drill handle can be moved only in the
direction of the alignment rod. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,409 discloses a
drill alignment guide, which comprises a adjustable clamp assembly
for clamping onto the bone connected by an L-shaped bar to a drill
guide. Upon clamping of the device on the bone, the drill guide is
positioned on the bone head. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,663 discloses a
femoral drill jig comprising a clamping mechanism which clamps on
to the femoral neck and a head cone which comprising a guide
bushing for guiding a drill into the femur head. Similarly,
EP1588688 discloses an alignment guide for use in femoral surgery
with either an arm or a moveable c-ring for fixing around the neck
of the femur.
The above-described methods involve generic, adjustable devices
that consist of a guiding element, an element that clasps around a
part of the bone, and one or more arms connecting the two. These
devices are often unstable as they do not fit perfectly on the
patient's bone and in some cases inaccurate because of the great
distance between the supporting anatomy and the planned point of
entry of the surgical instrument. Indeed, as a large part of the
head of a limb bone is covered with cartilage, this surface is
smooth and slippery which makes it less suitable as secure
attachment point. In addition, the thickness of the cartilage may
vary from patient to patient. Cartilage is very difficult to
segment on CT-images and even using MRI implies an additional step
which is time-consuming. Thus it is very difficult to design
structures precisely fitting on to the bone head.
In addition, the prior art devices such as those referred to above
are all quite bulky, mainly due to the presence of extended support
arms and thus require the availability of a large surgical
window.
An increasing number of surgical interventions currently benefit
from the use of medical-image-based models which can assist in
precisely executing the pre-operative planning of the intervention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,134 describes methods for making a medical
model using rapid prototyping which model can includes artificial
elements which can be functional such as drill-guides or pins.
There is a need for surgical guides, which do not require excessive
image analysis and are not bulky but nevertheless are stable and
provide the ability to accurately and efficiently insert or contact
a surgical instrument into or with the head of a patient's limb
bone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to patient-specific surgical guiding
tools for a bone head which can be generated based on a CT scan
(i.e. without requiring segmentation of the cartilage) and
nevertheless provide stable and accurate guidance of the surgical
instrument. Moreover, as the tool ensures a direct fit in the
desired position, no alignment is necessary upon, which saves time
during placement.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides patient-specific
surgical guiding tools for a head of a limb bone comprising a
guiding component, a cutting component, a collar for placing on the
bone neck and a connecting structure.
More specifically, the present invention relates to
patient-specific surgical guiding tools for a head of a major limb
bone comprising (i) a guiding component for guiding a surgical
instrument, (ii) a cutting component comprising one or more cutting
elements, positioned so as to cut in the cartilage of the head of
the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone
head, (iii) a collar spanning at least a part of the contour of the
neck of the bone but retaining an opening which allows passage of
the neck at least its smallest diameter and comprising a
patient-specific component, and (iv) a connecting structure
connecting said collar to said cutting component and/or to said
guiding component, such that said collar, said cutting component
and said guiding component are interconnected. The guiding tools
according to the invention are further characterized in that the
connecting structure forms at least one aperture allowing the
passage of the bone head and ensuring placement of the guiding
component on the bone head upon placement of the collar on the bone
neck, and in that the cutting component is positioned at both sides
of said at least one aperture and at a maximal angle of 90.degree.
from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines
connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of the
head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the
bone head. In particular embodiments, the cutting component
comprises at least two cutting elements and the cutting elements
are positioned each at a different side of said at least one
aperture and at a maximal angle of 90.degree. from the interior
bisector of said angle.
In particular embodiments, the edges of said cutting elements are
all positioned in the same plane. More particularly, the edges of
said cutting elements are positioned in a plane perpendicular to
the position of the central axis of the head of the bone upon
placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone head.
Accordingly, in the guiding tools according to the present
invention, the cutting component is used to ensure a secure fit
onto the bone head and cut transversally into the surface
(cartilage) of the bone head. This is different from tools used in
the preparation and shaping of the outer bone head surface (e.g.
hip resurfacing) by cutting away the surface of the bone head
symmetrically around an axis, which is achieved by cutting elements
which run in parallel with the central axis of the head of the bone
(such as in EP1864617).
In particular embodiments of the invention, surgical guiding tools
are provided wherein the cutting component is positioned at both
sides of said at least one aperture and at a maximal angle of
90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on
the bone head. In particular embodiments, the cutting component
comprises at least two cutting elements and at least two of the two
or more cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of
the aperture and each at an angle of about 75.degree. from the
interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture and the central axis of the head of the bone.
In further particular embodiments, at least two of the two or more
cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of the
aperture and each at an angle of 80.degree. from the interior
bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the edges of
the aperture and the central axis of the head of the bone.
In particular embodiments of the surgical guiding tools described
herein, the two or more cutting elements are interconnected by one
or more ring structures spanning the contour of the bone head by at
least 180.degree..
In further particular embodiments of the surgical guiding tools of
the invention, the central axis of the guiding component is
positioned in or in the extension of the central axis of the head
of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone
head. More particularly, the guiding component is positioned
perpendicular to the plane formed by the edges of the one or more
cutting elements.
In particular embodiments, the guiding tools according to the
invention comprise a collar which spans the contour of the neck of
the bone head over about 180.degree.. Alternatively, the collar may
span the contour of the neck over more than 180.degree.. In most
particular embodiments, for placement on a neck of a bone head
which is ellipsoid, the guiding tool may comprise a collar which
spans the bone neck over more than 180.degree. and wherein the
plane formed by the collar contains a longitudinal axis and the
opening of the collar is positioned such that the axis connecting
the ends of the opening is not perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the plane formed by the collar. More particularly, the
opening may be positioned such that it is parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the plane formed by the collar.
In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention
comprise at least one component which is made by additive
manufacturing. This allows the integration of a patient-specific
component which further increases the accuracy of the guiding
tools. Indeed, the guiding tools of the prior art are typically
standard tools which can at most be adjusted mechanically to fit
every patient, but do not ensure the patient-specific fit and
accuracy.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to methods for
using the tools of the present invention, more particularly methods
for placing the guiding tools of the invention on a bone head, and
most particularly, methods for introducing a surgical instrument
into a head of a limb bone, which comprise placing the tools of the
invention on the bone head.
In a first embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for
introducing a surgical instrument into a head of a major limb bone
of a patient, which methods comprise: (a) providing a surgical
guiding tool as described hereinabove, whereby the tools are
provided such that the patient-specific component of the collar is
made complementary to a surface of the bone neck of the patient and
the guiding component is designed to guide the surgical instrument
in a predefined trajectory (determined by pre-operative planning);
and (b) securing the surgical guiding tool on the bone head. The
latter can be done either by direct placement or by rotation
placement. In particular embodiments, rotation placement of the
guiding tool is envisaged, which involves: positioning the surgical
guiding tool with the opening of the collar facing the bone neck
such that the patient specific component of the collar is aligned
at an angle with its complementary surface on the bone neck, moving
the surgical guiding tool over the bone head such that the central
axis of the bone head or neck is perpendicular to the direction of
the movement until the tool is positioned over the bone head and
neck, rotating the surgical guiding tool to align the collar with
the neck of the bone such that the patient-specific component of
the collar locks into the complementary surface of the neck of the
bone, thereby applying pressure on the cutting elements that are
positioned at opposite sides of the aperture so as to cut a groove
in the cartilage of the bone head; and (c) introducing the surgical
instrument through the guiding component.
While the devices according to the invention can generally be used
for either direct placement or rotational placement, particular
features may render the device either particularly or exclusively
suited for rotation/direct placement. More particularly, where the
neck of the bone head is ellipsoid and the opening of the collar of
the guiding tool according to the invention spans an angle of less
than 180.degree. and is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the ellipsoid collar, direct placement may not be possible.
Accordingly, the invention provides methods for introducing a
surgical instrument into a head of a major limb bone which
comprises a neck which is ellipsoid, which method comprises: (a)
providing a surgical guiding tool, whereby the guiding tool
comprises a collar which spans the bone neck over more than
180.degree. and wherein the plane formed by the collar contains a
longitudinal axis and the opening of the collar is positioned such
that the axis connecting the ends of the opening is not
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plane formed by the
collar, and whereby: the patient-specific component is made
complementary to a surface of the bone neck of the patient and the
guiding component is designed to guide said surgical instrument in
a predefined trajectory; and (b) securing the surgical guiding tool
on the bone head and neck by introducing the smallest diameter of
the bone neck through the opening of the collar and placing the
surgical guiding tool over the bone head; and rotating the surgical
guiding tool to align the collar with the neck of the bone such
that the patient-specific component of the collar locks into the
complementary surface of the neck of the bone, thereby applying
pressure on the cutting elements that are positioned at opposite
sides of the aperture so as to cut a groove in the cartilage of the
bone head; and (c) introducing the surgical instrument through the
guiding component.
In further embodiments, the invention provides methods which
involve direct placement of a guiding tool according to the
invention. More particularly, the invention provides methods for
introducing a surgical instrument into a head of a major limb bone,
which methods comprise (a) providing a surgical guiding tool as
described herein, whereby the collar of the tool allows direct
placement of the tool on the neck of the bone head and whereby: the
patient-specific component is made complementary to a surface of
the bone neck of the patient and the guiding component is designed
to guide said surgical instrument in a predefined trajectory; and
the method further comprises (b) securing the surgical guiding tool
on the bone head and neck by positioning the surgical guiding tool
with the opening of the collar facing the bone neck such that the
patient specific component of the collar is aligned in parallel
with its complementary surface on the bone neck, and moving the
surgical guiding tool over the bone head such that the central axis
of the bone head or neck is perpendicular to the direction of the
movement until the patient-specific component of the collar locks
into the complementary surface of the neck of the bone, thereby
applying pressure to said cutting elements that are positioned at
opposite sides of the aperture so as to cut a groove in the
cartilage of the bone head; the method further comprising (c)
introducing the surgical instrument through the guiding
component.
More particularly, the methods described hereinabove are methods
for transferring a pre-planned intervention in the bone head to
surgery.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides methods for
manufacturing a patient-specific surgical guiding tool for a
surgical intervention on a head of a limb bone according to the
invention.
In particular, the invention provides methods for manufacturing a
patient-specific surgical guiding tool comprising a cutting
component with cutting elements, a collar, a guiding component and
a connecting structure and further characterized by the features
described herein, which methods comprise (a) obtaining volume
information of the bone head and neck, (b) identifying and
selecting one or more parts of the bone neck, which contain
sufficient features to be patient-specific, (c) determining the
appropriate position of the guiding component with regard to the
bone head, based on the pre-operative planning of the desired path
of the surgical tool in the bone head; and (d) preparing the
surgical guiding tool wherein: (i) the position of the connecting
structure, the cutting component and the collar is determined based
on the image of the bone head and neck obtained in step (a) (ii)
the collar comprises a patient-specific component comprising at
least one patient-specific area based on the patient-specific parts
of the neck identified in step (b) and (iii) the guiding component
is positioned in the surgical guiding tool such that, upon
placement of the guiding tool on the bone head and neck, the
guiding component is positioned as determined in step (c).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of
the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to
limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout
the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or
corresponding parts and features.
FIG. 1A: Schematic drawing of a bone head (1) and neck (2) when
placed into a guiding tool (3) according to the present invention.
Plane Z' intersects the bone head at its largest width. Axis z
corresponds to the central axis of the bone head.
FIG. 1B: Cross-sectional view of the bone head (1) (resulting from
the intersection with plane Z') when placed into a guiding tool (3)
according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Axis z
is perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane and corresponds to
the central axis of the bone head. Axis y corresponds to the
interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture and the central axis of the head of the bone.
Axes x and x' correspond to the lines connecting the edges of the
aperture. Angle b is the angle formed by the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture and the central axis of the head of the bone.
Angle a is the angle formed by the interior bisector of angle b and
one of the lines connecting the edges of the aperture. Angle c
corresponds to the angle by which the bone neck is spanned by the
cutting component.
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C: Cross-sectional views of the bone head (1)
when placed into a guiding tool according to three particular
embodiments of the present invention. A: At least two cutting
elements (8) are positioned such that the bone head is spanned by
an angle of less than 180.degree.. The aperture (10) accordingly
spans the bone head an angle of more than 180.degree.. B: At least
two cutting elements (8) are positioned such that the bone head is
spanned by an angle of about 180.degree.. The aperture (10)
accordingly spans the bone head an angle of about 180.degree.. C:
At least two cutting elements (8) are positioned such that the bone
head is spanned by an angle of more than 180.degree.. The aperture
(10) accordingly spans the bone head an angle of less than
180.degree..
FIG. 3A: Schematic drawing of a bone head (1) and neck (2) when
placed into a guiding tool (3) according to the present invention.
Plane Z' intersects the bone neck. Axis z corresponds to the
central axis of the bone head.
FIGS. 3B and 3C: Cross-sectional views of the bone neck (2)
(resulting from the intersection with plane Z') when placed into a
guiding tool (3) according to two particular embodiments of the
present invention. Axis z is perpendicular to the cross-sectional
plane and corresponds to the central axis of the bone head. Axis y
corresponds to the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the head of the bone. Axes x and x' correspond to the lines
connecting the edges of the aperture. Angle b is the angle formed
by the lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central
axis of the head of the bone. Angle a is the angle formed by the
interior bisector of angle b and one of the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture. Angle c corresponds to the angle by which
the bone neck is spanned by the cutting component.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and C: Perspective views of femoral head and neck and
placement of a guiding tool according to embodiments of the present
invention thereon, wherein 1: femoral head, 2: femoral neck, 4:
guiding component, 5: cutting element, 6: collar, 7: connecting
element, 8: cutting element, 9: edge of a cutting element, 10:
aperture, 11: connecting element, 12: cavity, 13: dill guide hole,
14: pre-operatively planned path or trajectory, 15: connecting
element, 16: opening; A: Perspective view of a femoral head and
neck indicating the pre-operatively planned path or trajectory (14)
of a surgical instrument in the head of the femur, according to one
embodiment of the invention. B and C: Different perspective views
of a guiding tool according to a particular embodiment of the
present invention when placed on a femur head and neck.
FIG. 5A: Schematic representation of the placement of the collar
(6) of a guiding tool on a bone neck (2) according to particular
embodiments of the invention. The full arrows indicate the movement
of the tool. The tool is positioned prior to placement such that
the patient-specific area (17) on the collar (6) is positioned
parallel to its complementary patient-specific surface (18) present
on the bone neck. When the collar is placed on the neck of the bone
the patient-specific area (17) directly interlocks with its
corresponding patient-specific surface on the bone neck.
FIG. 5B: Schematic drawing of the placement of the collar (6) of a
guiding tool according to a particular embodiment of the invention
on a bone neck (2); The full arrow indicates movement of the tool.
The tool is positioned prior to placement such that the
patient-specific area (17) on the collar (6) is at an angle with
its complementary patient-specific surface (18) present on the neck
of the bone. Then, the collar is placed over the neck of the bone.
Finally, the collar is rotated over a particular angle, such as for
example 90.degree., such that the patient-specific area of the
collar (6) can interlock with its corresponding patient-specific
surface on the bone neck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will be described with respect to particular
embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by
the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be
construed as limiting the scope.
Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and
claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an
indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular
noun e.g. "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun
unless something else is specifically stated.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the
description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between
similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or
chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that
the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described
or illustrated herein.
The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in
the understanding of the invention.
The present invention provides patient-specific surgical guiding
tools which allow accurate and stable introduction of a surgical
instrument into the head of a limb bone. More particularly, the
invention provides medical-image-based patient-specific surgical
guiding tools providing the ability to accurately insert a surgical
instrument into the head of a patient's limb bone according to a
predefined planning without the need for segmentation of the
cartilage of the head.
Surgical guiding tools according to the present invention at least
comprise a guiding component, a cutting component, a collar for
placement on the bone neck and a connecting structure. The
different components of the guiding tools according to the present
invention are described more in detail hereafter. Unless specified
(e.g. in the context of placement of the tools of the invention),
reference to the position of the head and/or neck of the bone is
intended to refer to the position of the head and/or neck of the
bone, respectively, when the tool has been placed onto the bone
head and neck.
According to the present invention, optimal accuracy of a surgical
intervention is ensured by using a surgical guiding tool comprising
a combination of a cutting component comprising a cutting element,
more particularly two or more cutting elements, which cut into the
cartilage on the bone head, and a collar, comprising a
patient-specific component which fits onto at least a section of
the bone neck, which ensures a specific fit of the tool in a
predetermined position. Accordingly, the surgical guiding tools of
the invention typically fit over at least part of the bone head and
neck, with the aim of accurately and stably positioning a guiding
component which ensures guidance of a surgical instrument typically
(but not necessarily exclusively) into the upper half of the bone
head.
In the present description of the guiding tools of the invention,
reference is made to angles to define the extent to which the
guiding tool structures spans the contour of the head of the bone
and the neck (or collar) of the bone head (circumference angle).
Similarly, the guiding tool structures contain an aperture and an
opening for passage of the bone head and neck (or collar) or a part
thereof, respectively. The aperture and opening of the guiding tool
are defined by an angle which is typically complementary to the
circumference angle (e.g. 360-circumference angle of the connecting
structure spanning contour of the bone head=angle of the aperture).
It will be understood to the skilled person, that in general, while
a difference of 10.degree. on these angles may have a functional
impact on the guiding tool, limited variations of the angles around
the indicated values will not significantly impact the function of
the structures of the guiding tool and can be considered as obvious
alternatives of the values provided. Accordingly, where referring
to an angle in the context of the present invention, unless
specified, typically variations of +/-5.degree. should be
considered as equally envisaged. Similarly, in some embodiments
variations of +10.degree. or -10.degree. may also be envisaged. At
the same time, it will be understood by the skilled person that,
where reference is made to an angle of more or less than
180.degree., the cut-off is effectively 180.degree. as this will
impact the functionality of the relevant structure of the tool.
The surgical guiding tools according to the present invention
comprise a cutting component. The purpose of the cutting component
is to cut into the cartilage of the head of the bone, thereby
fixing the tool tightly onto the bone head upon placement. A large
part of the head of a limb bone is covered with cartilage. This
cartilage tissue has a thickness that varies from patient to
patient. Designing a tool which fits precisely over this cartilage
layer would requires segmentation of the cartilage layer for every
patient. Segmentation of cartilage is very difficult from CT-images
and even when using MRI implies an additional time-consuming step.
The cartilage moreover provides a surface which is smooth and
slippery. The cutting component present in a guiding tool according
to the invention not only ensures fixation irrespective of the
thickness of the cartilage layer but provides sufficient grip and
support upon placement of the guiding tool on the bone head such
that a surgical instrument can be inserted in an accurate and
stable manner.
The cutting component of the guiding tools according to the
invention comprises two or more cutting elements. The number of
cutting elements in the cutting component of the tools according to
the present invention may vary. In particular embodiments the
number of cutting elements is at least two. For example, the number
of cutting elements in the cutting component may be two, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight or more. Typically, where more than
two cutting elements are provided, these elements are positioned
along the contour of the inside of the surgical guiding tool such
that they cut at different positions along the contour of the bone
head when the tool is placed on the bone head. In further
particular embodiments, the two or more cutting elements are joined
together to form one continuous cutting edge, more particularly
spanning the contour of bone head when positioned in the guiding
tool.
The cutting elements (also referred to herein as knife contacts)
each have a shape which, upon placement of the guiding tool on the
bone head, cuts into the cartilage. The shape of the cutting
elements is not critical. Typically, the cutting elements have a
sharp point or a sharp edge from which they taper outward, i.e. in
a direction away from the central axis of the head of the bone (or
part thereof), when positioned inside the guiding tool. More
particularly, the sharp edge or point of the cutting elements is
directed perpendicular to the bone surface. In particular
embodiments the edge of the cutting elements is directed towards
the central axis of the bone head when the tool is positioned
thereon. The length of the sharp edges of the cutting elements may
vary. Typically, the length of the sharp edge of the cutting
elements is between 5 mm and 30 mm more particularly between 10 and
20 mm, most particularly between 15 and 18 mm. In particular
embodiments, the different cutting elements, positioned so as to
span the contour of the bone head, are interspaced by at least 2
mm, more particularly by at least 4 mm, most particularly by about
10 mm. The sharp edge of the cutting elements may be smooth or be
serrated.
When considering the position of the cutting elements in the tool,
the edges of the two or more cutting elements may lie in the same
plane or in one or more different planes. When the bone head is
positioned in the guiding tool, this plane makes a cross-section of
the bone head. Where the edges of the two or more cutting elements
are positioned in the same plane, this makes it possible to exert
more pressure on the cutting elements upon placement. More
particularly, the edges of two or more of the cutting elements are
located in the same plane and at opposing sides of the aperture of
the tool.
In particular embodiments, the edges of the two or more cutting
elements are located in the same plane and this plane forms an
angle with the position of the central axis of the surgical guiding
tool and/or the central axis of the bone head upon placement of the
surgical guiding tool on the bone head. In further particular
embodiments, this plane is perpendicular to the position of the
central axis of the surgical guiding tool and/or the central axis
of the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool
on the bone head. In particular embodiments, this plane makes a
cross-section of the bone head when placed in the tool at a level
where the bone head and the aperture of the tool are the widest.
Preferably, the positioning of the cutting elements ensures that
the pressure applied to the guiding tool upon introduction and
working of the surgical instrument is perpendicular to the
direction of the clasp function ensured by the cutting elements. In
particular embodiments, a guiding tool is provided wherein the
edges of the cutting elements are positioned in one plane
corresponding to the cross-section of the bone head and
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bone head, in
particular embodiments, at its largest width. Typically, where this
cross-section of the bone head is essentially circular, the sharp
points or the sharp edges of the cutting elements are directed
towards the central axis of the bone head when positioned in the
guiding tool which, in particular embodiments corresponds to the
central axis of the guiding tool.
In particular embodiments, which will be described below, typically
where this cross-section of the bone head is essentially circular,
the guiding tool can be configured such that (at least some)
rotation of the guiding tool on the bone head is possible and will
result in the cutting elements cutting a groove in the cartilage
layer (as described more in detail below).
According to the invention, the cutting elements are positioned in
the guiding tool structure such that, upon placement of the tool on
the bone head, they cut in the cartilage of the bone head. This
cutting implies that the cutting elements go through at least a
certain portion, layer or thickness of the cartilage of the bone
head, upon placement of the guiding tool on the bone head. Based on
3D volume information as reconstructed e.g. from digital CT or an
MRI scan of a bone head, the outline of the head can be measured
and the position of the cutting elements can be determined such
that the edge of the cutting elements maintains a minimal distance
from the bone of the bone head. Depending on the envisaged position
of the cutting elements from the bone of the bone head and the
thickness of the cartilage the two or more cutting elements may cut
through a portion, layer or thickness of cartilage, which may vary
from 0.1 to 3.0 mm. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the
cutting elements may cut through a portion, layer or thickness of
the cartilage of the bone head without contacting or supporting on
the underlying bone structure. However, according to particular
embodiments, the cutting elements may cut completely through the
full thickness of the cartilage of the bone head each contacting
and/or supporting on the underlying bone structure upon placement
of the surgical guiding tool on the bone head.
The cutting elements of the guiding component are supported by one
or more member(s) which are part of the connecting structure of the
guiding tool. The connection between the members and the rest of
the connecting structure ensure a secure fit of the entire guiding
tool of the invention onto the bone, by way of the cutting element.
This allows for a more compact structure than traditional guiding
devices which require bulky support arms. As will be detailed
below, the connecting structure of the guiding tool is configured
so as to ensure a cavity (such that the guiding tool fits over at
least part of the bone head) and at least one aperture (allowing
the passage of the bone head into the cavity of the tool). More
particularly, the aperture in the guiding tool of the invention
allows the passage of the bone head upon lateral placement of the
guiding tool on the bone head. Typically, the guiding tool is
placed laterally on the bone head and neck and the dimensions of
the aperture of the connecting structure corresponds to a
longitudinal section of the bone head or the part thereof on which
the guiding tool is to be placed. It will be understood that,
irrespective of further extensions of the connecting structure
which are exterior to the structure which forms the contour of the
bone head, the "edges" of the connecting structure forming the
aperture (i.e. opening allowing passage of the bone head)
correspond to "edges of the aperture". The lines connecting the
edges of the aperture at its widest point and the central axis of
the guiding tool and/or the (part of) the bone head when placed in
the guiding tool form an angle. This angle can be used to measure
the size of the aperture. Similarly, the interior bisector of this
angle (i.e. the line which runs from the central axis of the
guiding tool (or bone head therein) through the middle of the
aperture at its widest point), herein referred to as the "interior
bisector of the aperture" can be taken as a reference to describe
the position of the cutting elements in the guiding tool.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing (A) of a femoral head (1) and neck
(2) as well as a cross-sectional view (B) of the femoral head (1)
when placed into a guiding tool (3) according to the present
invention. In FIG. 1B the interior bisector of the aperture is
indicated with the letter "y". FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment
wherein the lines connecting the edges (19) of the aperture at its
widest point and the central axis of the bone head (z) when placed
in the guiding tool form an angle (b). This angle (b) can be used
to describe the size of the aperture. Similarly, the interior
bisector (y) of this angle (b) can be taken as a reference to
describe the position of the cutting elements in the guiding tool.
In this particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the aperture
of the guiding tool spans an angle (b) of 140.degree. to
160.degree. of the contour of the bone head, to allow passage of
the bone.
As detailed herein, the cutting component may comprise one, or more
particularly two or more cutting elements. When the cutting
component comprises two or more cutting elements, two of these two
or more cutting elements are positioned within the guiding tool
such that at opposing sides of the aperture and each at a maximal
angle of 90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed
by the lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central
axis of the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding
tool on the bone head ("outer" cutting elements). The two outer
cutting elements will contact the bone head first, when the tool is
placed on the bone head and will make a groove in the cartilage of
the bone head. When the cutting component comprises only one
cutting element, this element spans the circumference of the bone
head, from one end of the aperture to the other (excluding the
aperture itself).
The position of these one or more cutting elements is defined at
the edges which form the aperture, as these edges of the cutting
elements, together with their supporting structure, define the
aperture. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2. The
positioning of the outer cutting elements at about a 90.degree.
angle or less from the interior bisector of the opening is
important as, if they would be positioned at more than 90.degree.
from the interior bisector of the aperture, the cutting component
would not provide the desired stability (FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the
one or more cutting elements should be positioned such that they
include the presence of cutting elements close to the edges of the
aperture. More particularly, a cutting element should be present on
each side at about 90.degree. of the interior bisector of the
aperture (FIG. 2B), or less, more particularly at an angle which is
between 90 and 70.degree. of the interior bisector of the aperture
(FIG. 2C).
Typically, as detailed above, cutting elements are placed at
opposing sides at the edges of the aperture. These are referred to
as the "outer" cutting elements. As detailed above, the cutting
component may also be one cutting element which spans from one
outer cutting element to the other (excluding the aperture). More
particularly, tools are provided wherein the outer cutting elements
are positioned at the edges of the aperture at a level
corresponding to the position of the widest diameter of the bone
head. This ensures (a) that the outer cutting elements start
cutting into the cartilage upon first contact of the guiding tool
with the bone head and (b) that optimal pressure can be applied on
the cutting elements when placing the tool onto the bone head. For
instance, the outer cutting elements can be positioned each at a
different side of the aperture and each at a maximal angle of
between 70.degree. and 80.degree. or between 80.degree. and
90.degree. from the interior bisector of the aperture. Accordingly,
in particular embodiments, the aperture of the guiding tool at its
widest point spans about 140.degree. to 180.degree. of the contour
of the bone head, to allow passage of the bone head and two of the
cutting components are placed at the outer edges of this aperture.
Where the width of the aperture of the guiding tool corresponds to
the diameter of the bone head (i.e. where the aperture spans about
180.degree. of the contour), two cutting elements of the tool will
be positioned in the cartilage at opposite sides of the bone head
upon placement of the tool on the bone head. It will be understood
that the guiding tool may contain cutting elements located in
several planes, where in the additional planes the cutting elements
may or may not contain outer cutting elements (i.e. located at the
edge of the aperture).
In certain particular embodiments, at least two of the two or more
cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of the
aperture (the "outer" cutting elements) and each at an angle of
about 80.degree. from the interior bisector of the aperture (angle
"a" of FIG. 1B, where angle "a" is about 80.degree.). Similarly,
the cutting component where it comprises one cutting element may
span a c-ring with an opening of about 160.degree. (i.e. leaving an
aperture which spans about 80.degree. from the interior bisector of
the aperture) Accordingly, in these embodiments, the aperture spans
about 160.degree. of the contour of the bone head when placed in
the guiding tool (angle "b" in FIG. 1B, where angle "b" is about
160.degree.). This position of the cutting elements is optimal for
direct placement of the surgical tool. As will be detailed below,
this ensures an overhang of the edges of the aperture when placed
on the bone head (accordingly forming an "undercut") whereby the
bone head is clasped into the guiding tool. As the material of the
guiding tools according to the invention is typically material
which has some flexibility, upon placement of the tool on the bone
head, pressure is placed on the cutting elements, which ensures the
cutting of the elements through the cartilage and opening of the
aperture allowing passage of the bone head.
In further particular embodiments, at least two of the two or more
cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of the
aperture and each at an angle of about 75.degree. from the interior
bisector of the aperture (angle "a" in FIG. 1B is about
75.degree.). Or, where the cutting component comprises one cutting
element it corresponds to a structure comprising cutting elements
in these positions. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the aperture
spans about 150.degree. of the contour of the bone head when placed
in the guiding tool (angle "a" in FIG. 1B is about 150.degree.).
This position of the cutting elements is optimal for use in a tool
which is designed for rotation placement (see below).
Where the cutting component comprises more than two cutting
elements, the position of the additional cutting elements is less
critical. Typically, the additional cutting elements are positioned
in the same plane at more than 90.degree. from the interior
bisector of the aperture. In particular embodiments of the
invention, a guiding tool is provided which is rotated into
position after placement on the bone head (see below). In these
embodiments, the device may be rotated such that the additional
cutting elements slide into the groove formed by the "outer"
cutting elements in the cartilage upon placement of the device.
The members supporting the one or more cutting elements in the
tools according to the invention can be of different shapes and/or
sizes. According to certain embodiments, the cutting elements are
supported and interconnected by one or more structures such as but
not limited to ring structures, which are positioned such as to
span at least part of the contour of the bone head, however leaving
a clearance of about 3 to 10 mm, typically of about 5 mm, with the
bony surface of the bone head. More particularly, where there are
two or more cutting elements, these are interconnected by a
structure such as a ring structure which spans the contour of the
head of the bone by at least 180.degree.. In specific embodiments,
one or more structures together span the contour of the bone head
by more than 180.degree. (angle "c" in FIG. 1B, where angle "c" is
more than 180.degree.). According to these embodiments, an overhang
of the ends of the ring structures is created when the guiding tool
is placed on the bone head (forming an "undercut"). Of course, it
will be clear to the skilled person that the one or more connecting
structures, including those which support the cutting component
must retain an aperture which (taking into account the resilience
of the material) allows passage of the bone head. Accordingly, the
minimal size of the aperture will be dependent on the type of
material used. In particular embodiments, the size of the aperture
formed by the connecting structure and the cutting elements is
configured such that, when it is pushed onto the bone head, the
cutting elements cut transversally into the cartilage of the bone
head, while they do not or barely cut into the bone of the bone
head. As a result of the overhang, the surgical guiding tool upon
placement on the bone head snaps into place and remains locked in
position. The bone head is thereby clasped into the guiding tool by
the cutting elements positioned on the one or more ring
structures.
In particular embodiments, the one or more ring structures together
span the contour of the bone head by between 180.degree. and
220.degree. (angle "c" in FIG. 1B, where angle c is between
180.degree. and 220.degree.). In further particular embodiments the
one or more ring structures together span the contour of the head
of the bone by at least 200.degree. (see FIG. 1B, where angle c is
about 200.degree.), maintaining an aperture of 160.degree. (FIG.
1B, where angle b is about 160.degree.). According to further
particular embodiments, the one or more ring structures together
span the contour of the head of the bone by about 210.degree. (see
FIG. 1B, where angle c is about 210.degree.), maintaining an
aperture of 150.degree. (see FIG. 1B, where angle b is about
150.degree.).
In the surgical guiding tool according to the invention, the
connecting structure further supports the guiding component. This
aspect of the connecting structure is discussed more in detail
below in the context of the guiding component.
The surgical guiding tools of the present invention further
comprise a collar for placement on the neck of the bone head. The
collar of the surgical guiding tools according to the present
invention ensures the correct placement of the guiding tool on the
patient's bone. It consists of one or more parts and comprises a
patient-specific component. Accordingly, the collar of the guiding
tools of the invention comprises a patient-specific component
comprising one or more patient-specific areas and optionally
comprises one or more non-patient specific areas. A
patient-specific area is an area on the inside of the collar which
interlocks with the neck of the bone on which the tool is to be
placed in a patient-specific way. Typically, a patient-specific
area is a surface that is fully complementary to a surface on the
neck of the bone head. In particular embodiments this
complementarity taking into account a clearance between the guide
tool surface and the patient's bone of between 0.1-0.2 mm. The one
or more patient-specific areas are positioned on the inside of the
collar such that they can be contacted with/positioned opposite to
the corresponding surface of the neck of the bone head upon
placement of the guiding tool. When a patient-specific area of the
collar is contacted with/positioned opposite to its corresponding
complementary part of the surface of the neck of the bone head, the
two surfaces interlock, fixing the collar (and thus the guiding
tool) into a predetermined position.
Thus, the guiding tools according to the present invention comprise
at least one patient-specific area, which is typically a
patient-specific surface that is designed to fit onto at least part
of the bony neck area of a patient's limb bone and that is fully
complementary to sufficient features of that part of the bone neck
to determine a unique locking position. Typically, a
patient-specific surface is selected based on anatomical features
present on the neck. However it can be envisioned that in
particular embodiments features are introduced into the neck of the
patient's bone to allow the generation of patient-specific area
based thereon.
The size of the one or more patient-specific areas of the collar of
the guiding tools of the present invention is not critical.
Depending on the embodiment they can span all or part of the inside
of the collar.
The location of the one or more patient-specific areas in the
collar is not critical and may be spread out over one or more parts
of the collar see below. However, the position of the corresponding
surface on the bone neck will determine its position in the collar
of the guiding tool. Indeed, the patient-specific areas must be
place such that, upon interlocking of the patient-specific area
with its corresponding surface in the neck of the bone, the
surgical guidance tool is in the desired position.
As indicated above, the collar of the guiding tools according to
the present invention can comprise one or more parts. Where the
collar comprises more than one part, these parts can be directly or
indirectly interconnected through a connecting structure. As
detailed above, one or more of the parts of the collar may comprise
a patient-specific area.
In particular embodiments, the one or more of the parts of the
collar of the guiding tools according to the invention at least
partially span the contour of the bone neck. FIG. 3 shows a
schematic drawing (A) of a bone head (1) and neck (2), according to
a particular embodiment of the invention, as well as two
cross-sectional views of the neck (2). The dotted lines
schematically represent the outline of the guiding tool according
to the invention when positioned on the bone head (3).
In specific embodiments, the one or more parts of the collar span
the contour of the bone neck over about 180.degree. (angle "c" of
FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c would be about 180.degree.). In
further particular embodiments, the collar comprises one part which
spans the contour of the neck of the bone over about 180.degree.
(see FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c is about 180.degree.).
In alternative embodiments, the one or more parts of the collar
span the contour of the neck over less than 180.degree.. Indeed,
the minimal requirement for the collar is that it supports at least
one patient-specific part, which need not span the contour of the
neck over 180.degree..
In further embodiments, the one or more parts of the collar span
the contour of the bone neck over more than 180.degree. (angle c is
more than 180.degree.), maintaining an opening for passage of the
bone neck at least its smallest diameter. In these embodiments an
overhang of the ends of the collar is created when the guiding tool
is placed on the bone head (forming an "undercut") at the neck. By
spanning the contour of the bone neck by more than 180.degree., the
collar provides extra support and stability to the surgical tools
of the invention as the bone neck is clasped into the guiding tool.
In particular embodiments, the collar spans the contour of the bone
neck over about 180.degree. to 220.degree. (see FIGS. 3B and C,
where angle c would be about 180 to about 220.degree.).
According to particular embodiments, the collar comprises more than
one part, whereby one part can be released forming an opening which
allows placement of the collar on the bone neck. After the
placement of the guiding tool onto the bone, the collar can be
closed by means of the releasable part such that the collar fully
encloses the contour of the bone neck.
The size and shape of the one or more parts of the collar are not
critical to the invention, provided that they support at least one
patient-specific part. In particular embodiments, the one or more
parts of the collar of the neck are rectangular in shape and
typically have a height of between 2 and 20 mm (in the direction of
the longitudinal axis of the neck) and each or together span
between 5.degree. and 220.degree. of the contour of the neck (see
FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c is between 5.degree. and
220.degree.), typically corresponding to a length of between 1 to
15 cm.
In particular embodiments, the one or more parts of the collar span
the contour of the bone neck for about 180.degree. to 220.degree.
(see FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c is about 180.degree. to
220.degree.) whereby the central axis of the neck of the bone when
the tool is placed on the neck of the bone corresponds to the
central axis of the collar. In particular embodiments, where the
central axis of the bone head corresponds to the central axis of
the neck, the central axis of the guiding tool corresponds to the
central axis of the collar (oriented perpendicular to the
cross-section the collar).
As indicated above, in order to allow placement of the surgical
guiding tools of the invention on the bone neck, the collar
comprises at least one opening which allows passage of the bone
neck at least its smallest diameter. Accordingly, where the collar
of the guiding tools according to the present invention spans the
contour of the neck of the bone over more than 180.degree. (see
FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c is more than 180.degree.), the collar
retains an opening which allows passage of the neck at least its
smallest diameter.
According to particular embodiments and as further described
herein, the neck of the bone on which the tool is to be placed is
ellipsoid, with a longitudinal (transverse or major) axis or
diameter and a minor or conjugate diameter. In such cases, the
cross-section of the collar (perpendicular to the axis of the
guiding tool) which spans the neck will also be ellipsoid (or a
part thereof), to closely fit the contour of the neck. In these
embodiments, the size and the position of the opening in the collar
will influence the placement of the guiding tool on the bone head.
Indeed, where the opening spans over 160.degree. or more, more
particularly 180.degree. or more of the contour of the bone neck
(see FIGS. 3B and C, where angle b is about 160.degree. or more
and, more particularly, 180.degree. or more) and thus the collar
itself spans less than 180.degree. of the bone neck (see FIGS. 3B
and C, where angle c is less than 180.degree.), or corresponds to
the largest diameter of the neck, the guiding tool can be
configured such that, if required, it can be placed directly on the
bone head and neck, fitting immediately into its definite position.
Indeed, it is envisaged that even where there is some overhang of
the ends of the collar (i.e. opening limited to 160.degree. of the
contour of the neck), the flexibility of the material may make it
possible to push the collar directly in its required position onto
the bone neck.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the guiding tools of the
invention wherein the collar spans the contour of the bone neck (2)
over an angle (c) of more than 180.degree.. such as an angle (c) of
180.degree. to 220.degree. and the cross-section of the neck of the
bone (and the corresponding collar) is ellipsoid. In this
embodiment, the opening is configured such that it spans less than
an angle (b) of 180.degree. of the bone neck and the opening is
positioned such that the (straight line connecting the ends of the)
opening is parallel to the longitudinal or major axis of the
ellipsoid cross-section of the collar (i.e. the longitudinal axis
of the plane formed by the collar). The opening allows passage of
the neck only through its minor axis, such that rotation of about
90.degree. will be necessary during placement to align the major
axis of the collar with the major axis of the bone neck thereby
securing the collar onto the neck.
However, in particular embodiments of the guiding tools of the
invention, the opening can be configured such that it spans less
than 180.degree., more particularly less than 160.degree. of the
bone neck (see FIGS. 3B and C, where angle b is less than
180.degree., more particularly less than 160.degree.) i.e. where
the collar structure spans more than 180.degree., more particularly
more than 200.degree. (see FIGS. 3B and C, where angle c is more
than 180.degree., more particularly more than 200.degree.), more
particularly such that it allows passage of the bone neck only by
its minor axis. In those cases, and where the opening is positioned
such that the (line connecting the ends of the) opening is not
perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipsoid cross-section of
the collar (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the plane formed by the
collar), direct positioning of the collar on the neck is not
possible, but placement will require rotation of the guiding tool
on the bone head. After placement of the guiding tool on the bone
head and neck, such an overhang of the collar provides extra
support and stability to the surgical tools of the invention as the
bone neck is clasped into the guiding tool.
In particular embodiments of the guiding tool according to the
invention and as further described herein, the opening formed by
the collar is positioned such that it (or the line connecting the
ends of the opening) is parallel with the longitudinal or major
axis of the plane formed by the collar. Where this opening allows
passage of the neck only through its minor axis, rotation of about
90.degree. will be necessary during placement to align the major
axis of the collar with the major axis of the bone neck thereby
securing the collar onto the neck. From this position, removal of
the guiding tool from the bone head will again require a rotation
combined with traction, so as to align the minor axis of the neck
of the bone with the opening of the collar. Thus, in these
embodiments, an additional securing function is ensured by the
collar.
As described above, rotation of the guiding tool after placement on
the bone head will result in the cutting elements cutting a groove
into the cartilage on the surface of the bone head, in which the
cutting elements are securely locked.
The surgical guiding tools of the present invention further
comprise a guiding component for guiding a surgical instrument into
the bone head of a patient. The guiding component contains at least
one means of guiding an instrument such as but not limited to a
drill, bur, saw, jig saw, lateral drill or any other cutting,
milling or drilling instrument, the orientation and position of
which corresponds to a pre-operative planning. The guiding
component can optionally include safety stops to prevent a surgical
instrument from advancing beyond a planned or determined depth into
the bone.
Thus, where the surgical instrument is a drill or bur, the guiding
component may comprise at least a cylindrical hole, the position
and direction of which correspond to the pre-operatively planned
drilling or burring trajectory. The diameter of the cylindrical
hole will be at least the size of the diameter of the part of the
surgical instrument, which is to be introduced in the bone.
In particular embodiments, where the surgical instrument is a saw,
jig saw, mill or lateral drill, the guiding component may contain
at least a (narrow) slot or flat surface, the position and
orientation of which will correspond to the pre-operatively planned
cutting plane or milling surface. The dimensions of the slot or
surface will be such to allow passage or suitable guidance of the
saw, jig saw, mill or lateral drill that is used.
Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the guiding component
includes a cannula or channel through which at least part of a
surgical instrument may be passed to engage the head of the bone at
the desired location.
Typically, the guiding component is positioned on the connecting
structure, which connects the guiding component of the tool with
the cutting component and the collar. The guiding component is
positioned on the connecting structure adjacent to the head of the
bone such that a surgical instrument which is passed through the
guiding component can engage the head of the bone at a desired
location. The guiding component can be positioned in any direction
with regard to the central axis of the head of the bone as long as
it provides access to a surgical instrument for reaching the head
of the bone at the desired location.
The central axis of the guiding component can be considered the
axis of the guide, more particularly the axis of the planned
trajectory of the surgical instrument. According to particular
embodiments, the guiding component is positioned in the guiding
tool such that the central axis of the guiding component is
parallel to or forms an angle with the central axis of the bone
head upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone
head.
According to particular embodiments, the central axis of the
guiding component is positioned in or in the extension of the
central axis of the bone head upon placement of the surgical
guiding tool on the bone head (see FIGS. 4, B and C).
According to particular embodiments, where the edges of the cutting
elements of the cutting component of the guiding tool according to
the present invention are all positioned in one or more parallel
planes, the guiding component is positioned perpendicular to the
one or more planes formed by the edges of the cutting element(s).
The latter will ensure that the force applied when introducing the
surgical instrument into the guiding component is perpendicular to
the force of the cutting element(s) in the cartilage.
As mentioned above, the surgical guiding tools of the present
invention further comprise a connecting structure, which directly
or indirectly connects the collar to the cutting component and/or
to the guiding component in the tools according to the invention.
The connecting structure is hence such that the collar, the cutting
component comprising the cutting element(s) and the guiding
component are interconnected. The connecting structure typically
comprises one or more connecting elements, which support the
guiding component, cutting elements and/or the collar.
In particular embodiments, the connecting structure comprises two
or more connecting elements or members which span the length of the
guiding tool, running from the collar to the top of the bone head,
forming the cavity around the bone head. longitudinally over the
bone head, interconnecting at the top of the bone head (see, for
example, FIG. 4, items 7 and 15). Such longitudinal connecting
elements may each support one or more cutting elements. The cutting
elements may also be supported by one or more connecting elements
structures as rings spanning the contour of the bone head, whereby
the transversal connecting elements or members are connected to the
one or more rings (see, for example, FIG. 4, item 11).
As detailed above, the connecting structure forms at least one
aperture starting from the opening in the collar, allowing the
passage of the bone head and ensures placement of the guiding
component on the bone head upon placement of the collar on the bone
neck.
The connecting structure of the surgical guiding tools according to
the present invention must be sufficiently rigid, so as not to
ensure the desired stability and accuracy upon use of the guiding
tool and should nevertheless be as open as possible, so as to allow
the surgeon visual verification of the good fit of the surgical
tool.
In particular embodiments the connection structure of the guiding
tools according to the present invention ensure a rigid but
flexible connection between the cutting component, guiding
component and collar of the guiding tool, such that the position of
the different components of the guiding tool relative to each other
is fixed. However, in particular embodiments the guiding tool can
be configured so as to allow rotation of the cutting elements with
respect to the collar. The rotation of the cutting elements on the
bone head after placement allows the cutting of a groove into the
bone head for additional stability. This feature can be
incorporated into the tool in different ways, known to the person
skilled in the art. For instance, this can be ensured by connecting
the collar and the connecting structure with a ridge (or
protrusion) and groove structure. Such structures can define a very
specific angle of rotation (in order to correspond to the
pre-operative planning) and optionally include a mechanism for
securing the parts in their definite positions (to ensure
stability).
In particular embodiments, the present invention provides
patient-specific surgical guiding tools for a femur head comprising
(i) a guiding component for guiding a surgical instrument, (ii) a
cutting component comprising one or more cutting element(s),
positioned so as to cut in the cartilage of the femur head upon
placement of the surgical guiding tool on the femur head, (iii) a
collar spanning at least a part of the contour of the neck of the
femur head but retaining an opening which allows passage of the
neck at least its smallest diameter and comprising a
patient-specific component, and (iv) a connecting structure
connecting the collar to the cutting component and to the guiding
component, such that the collar, the cutting component and the
guiding component are interconnected. In the guiding tools
according to these embodiments, the connecting structure forms at
least one aperture allowing the passage of the femur head and
ensuring placement of the guiding component on the femur head upon
placement of the collar on the bone neck. Furthermore, in the
guiding tools according to these embodiments, a cutting component
comprising outer cutting elements are positioned each at a
different side of the aperture and each at a maximal angle of
90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the femur head upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the
femur head.
In particular embodiments of the surgical guiding tool for a femur
head, the edges of the one or more cutting elements are all
positioned in the same plane, more particularly in a plane
perpendicular to the position of the central axis of the femur head
upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the femur head.
In more particular embodiments, the central axis of the guiding
component is positioned in or in the extension of the central axis
of the femur head upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on
the femur head, and the guiding component is positioned
perpendicular to the plane formed by the edges of the outer cutting
elements.
For the femur head, surgical guiding tools for either direct
placement or for rotation placement are envisaged. In particular
embodiments, where a tool for direct placement is envisaged, The
outer cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of
the aperture and each at an angle of about 80.degree. from the
interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting the
edges of the aperture and the central axis of the femur head.
Accordingly, in these embodiments, the connecting structures, e.g.
one or more ring structures, span the contour of the bone head by
about 200.degree. at the widest point of the femur head. Typically,
the collar of the guiding tool spans the contour of the neck of the
femur head over more than 180.degree.. Before placement of such a
device on the femur head, the guiding tool is oriented such that
the patient-specific component in the collar is fitted directly on
the patient-specific area of the neck upon placement.
In alternative embodiments, a tool for rotation placement is
envisaged. Typically herein, the collar spans the neck of the femur
head over more than 180.degree. and the opening in the collar is
positioned such that the axis connecting the ends of the opening is
not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid plane
formed by the collar. More particularly, the opening is positioned
such that it is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the plane
formed by the collar. In these embodiments of the guiding tools of
the invention, the outer cutting elements are positioned each at a
different side of the aperture and each at an angle of about
75.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the femur head. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the connecting
structures, e.g. one or more ring structures, span the contour of
the bone head by about 210.degree. at the widest point of the femur
head. Before placement of such a device on the femur head, the
guiding tool is oriented such that the patient-specific component
in the collar is at an angle with its corresponding area on the
neck and thus requires rotation of the device after placement to
ensure interlocking.
A particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention as described
herein, is illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows in (A) the
pre-operatively planned direction of the surgical tool in a femur
head, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. FIGS.
4 B and C show perspective views of a surgical guiding tool
designed so as to ensure appropriate guiding of a surgical
instrument according to a particular embodiment of the present
invention which is positioned on a femur head (1) and neck (2).
More particularly, FIGS. 4 B and C illustrates a guiding tool (3)
comprising a guiding component (4), a cutting component comprising
cutting elements (e.g. 5 and 8), a collar (6) and a connecting
structure comprising connecting elements (e.g. 7, 11, 15) defining
the cavity (12) of the tool. The different components of the
guiding tools according to this specific embodiment are described
below in further detail. Reference to the position of the head
and/or neck of the bone is intended to refer to the position of the
head and/or neck of the bone, respectively, when the tool has been
placed onto the bone head and neck.
The cutting component of the guiding tool according to the specific
embodiment of FIGS. 4 B and C comprises two or more cutting
elements (of which 5 and 8 are visible in FIGS. 4 B and C). The
cutting elements are positioned along the contour of the inside of
the surgical guiding tool such that they cut at different positions
along the contour of the bone head (1) when the tool is placed
thereon. Cutting elements 5 and 8 have a sharp edge which is
directed to the central axis of the head of the bone ("z" in FIGS.
1 and 3), when the head is positioned inside the guiding tool. In
this embodiment, the edges of cutting elements 5 and 8 lie in a
plane, which makes a cross-section of the bone head at its largest
width and which is perpendicular to the position of the central
axis of the head of the bone when the head is positioned inside the
guiding tool. The edges (e.g. 9) of cutting elements 5 and 8 are
located at opposing sides of the aperture (10) of the tool. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 B and C the cutting elements are
interconnected by a connecting element which has a ring structure
(11), which is part of the connecting structure of the guiding
tool.
The collar (6) comprises an opening (16) which allows passage of
the neck of the femur head (2). The collar is connected to a
connecting element supporting the cutting elements (such as 5 and
8) and the guiding component (4) by connecting elements (7) which
define the aperture (10) of the guiding tool.
The guiding component of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 B
and C comprises a cylindrical hole (13), the position and direction
of which correspond to the pre-operatively planned guiding
trajectory (14, see FIG. 4A). In this embodiment, the guiding
component (4) is positioned in the guiding tool such that the
central axis of the guiding component is positioned in or in the
extension of the central axis of the bone head (referred to as "z"
in FIGS. 4B and 3B and C) upon placement of the surgical guiding
tool on the bone head (1). Furthermore, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4, the guiding component (and the trajectory
(14) are positioned perpendicular to the plane formed by the edges
of the two or more cutting elements.
A further aspect of the present invention provides methods for
manufacturing a patient-specific surgical guiding tool for a
surgical intervention on a bone head according to the invention. As
indicated above, the guiding tools according to the invention are
designed to closely fit around the bone head and neck of the bone
requiring surgical intervention, such as to ensure stability of the
guiding component, which is positioned within the guiding tool such
as to guide a surgical instrument along a predetermined
orientation. One of the advantages of the tools of the present
invention is that they can be manufactured to ensure accurate
positioning on the bone head without the need to segment the
cartilage of the bone head.
The methods for producing the surgical guiding tools of the
invention typically comprise the steps of: (a) obtaining volume
information of the neck and optionally of the bone head of the bone
requiring surgical intervention; (b) identifying and selecting one
or more parts of the bone neck which contains sufficient features
such that it is patient-specific; (c) determining the appropriate
position of the guiding component on the guiding tool; this is in
particular embodiments based on the pre-operative planning the
desired path of the surgical tool in the bone head; and (d)
preparing a surgical guiding tool based on the information obtained
in steps (a), (b) and (c).
In particular embodiments, the surgical guiding tools according to
the invention are designed based on volume information of both the
neck and the bone head. In alternative embodiments, the surgical
guiding tools according to the invention comprise a collar
comprising a patient-specific component (based on patient-specific
information of the neck) and a connecting structure which is
modular and can optionally be adjusted to ensure a tight fit onto
the bone head.
More particularly, in methods of the present invention step (d)
comprises preparing a surgical guiding tool wherein: (i) the
position of the collar is determined based on the image of the bone
neck obtained in step (a) (ii) the collar comprises a
patient-specific component comprising at least one patient-specific
area based on the patient-specific parts of the neck identified in
step (b) and (iii) the guiding component is positioned in the
surgical guiding tool such that, upon placement of the guiding tool
on the bone head and neck, the guiding component is positioned as
determined in step (c).
In further particular embodiments, step (d) comprises preparing a
surgical guiding tool wherein the position of the connecting
element, cutting component and collar is determined based on the
image of the bone head and neck obtained in step (a).
Accordingly, step (a) of the methods of manufacturing the tools
according to the invention comprises obtaining an image of the bone
neck, and optionally of the bone head and neck. Digital
patient-specific image information can be provided by any suitable
means known in the art, such as for example a computer tomography
(CT) scanner, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or an
ultrasound scanner. A summary of medical imaging has been described
in "Fundamentals of Medical imaging", by P. Suetens, Cambridge
University Press, 2002. However, it is an advantage of the tools of
the present invention that sufficient information can be obtained
for designing the guiding tools of the invention based on either CT
or MRI images without the need to segment the cartilage.
The methods for manufacturing the surgical guiding tools according
to the invention further comprise the step of identifying and
selecting at least one part of the bone neck which contains
sufficient features such that it is patient-specific. Indeed, an
important aspect of the guiding tools of the invention is the
presence of one or more patient-specific areas in the collar of the
tool, which interlock(s) with the corresponding region(s) in the
neck upon placement of the tool on the bone head and ensure
accurate positioning of the tool. As indicated above, the
patient-specific regions of the neck may comprise specific
anatomical features or may be modified to introduce specific
features. The production of the one or more patient-specific areas
for the collar requires detailed, geometrical patient-specific
information in order to determine those surfaces of the bone neck
that are suitable for this purpose.
Typically step (a) of the methods described above comprises the
step of (a1) obtaining a 2D dataset of the head and neck of the
bone and (a2) reconstructing a 3d virtual bone model (or part
thereof) from said 2D datasets. Indeed, the first step in
pre-operative planning is the construction of a 3D virtual model of
the bone (or a part thereof). This reconstruction starts with
sending a patient to a radiologist for scanning, e.g. for a scan
that generates medical volumetric data, such as a CT, MRI scan or
the like. The output of the scan can be a stack of two-dimensional
(2D) slices forming a 3D data set. The output of the scan can be
digitally imported into a computer program and may be converted
using algorithms known in the field image processing technology to
produce a 3D computer model of a relevant bone. Preferably, a
virtual 3D model is constructed from the dataset using a computer
program such as Mimics.TM. as supplied by Materialise N.V., Leuven,
Belgium. A more detailed description for making a perfected model
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,134 entitled `Method for making
a perfected medical model on the basis of digital image information
of a part of the body`.
Once the 3D volume of the bone (or a part thereof) is
reconstructed, the surgeon (or person skilled in the art) can
define the preferred position, orientation, depth and diameter of
the bores and drill paths associated to them.
In particular embodiments, the methods of the invention further
comprise the step of defining a central axis for the surgical
guide. In a particular embodiment, the inertia axis of the bone
head (and neck) is chosen for this. Defining the inertia axis of
the femur may be done in a manual or (semi-) automatic way, using
e.g. the position of anatomical landmarks. As an example, the
inertia axis of a femur can be defined as follows: first, a sphere
is fitted through the femur head using software such as e.g.
Mimics. The centre of the sphere defines a first point of the
inertia axis. The second point of the axis may be defined as the
point in the lateral trochanteric area located 1, 1.5 or 2 cm below
the point where the facet of the gluteus minimus muscle and the
gluteus medius muscle intersect.
Having defined the preferred position, orientation, depth and
diameter of the bores and drill paths associated to them, this
information can then be transferred to a surgical guide template
that fits perfectly when placed on the bone. A surgical template
for use in general or specific surgical procedures may be defined
as any object for placement on a unique and preferably stable
position, specific for a patient and intended to be used for
guiding a tool, an appliance or a medical or surgical device
according to a prior determined position, direction and/or path
and/or depth. A preferred method for designing the surgical
template uses a computer program such as 3-matic.TM. as supplied by
Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium. In another preferred method, the
surgical template is automatically generated based on said drill
hole information. Preferably, this method uses a number of design
parameters as an input including, but not limited to, the
dimensions of the surgical tools as used by the medical
practitioner, the contact area of the surgical template with the
bone where the surgical tool is to be placed, the thickness of the
template, the fixation type (e.g. the position, orientation and
diameter of fixation passages, the size of the undercut).
The methods for manufacturing the surgical guiding tools according
to the invention further comprise the step of determining the
appropriate position of the guiding component with regard to the
bone head. In particular embodiments, this is done based on the
pre-operative planning of the desired path of the surgical tool in
the bone head;
The orientation of the guiding component has to be such that the
surgical instrument is guided in the predetermined direction.
Pre-operative planning of the intervention by the treating
physician makes it possible to determine the required path of the
surgical instrument, and accordingly, the required orientation of
the guiding component. The pre-operative planning of the surgical
intervention is done using suitable dedicated software, based on
suitable medical images (of which CT, MRI, are examples), taking
into account factors like bone quality and proximity to nerve
bundles/blood vessels or other anatomically sensitive objects. To
plan and simulate the intervention, preoperative images are
imported into a computer workstation running 3D software. These
images are manipulated as 3D volumes. The result is a computer
simulation of the intervention, which outputs a planning containing
the information necessary for adapting the orientation of the
guiding component.
A further step of the methods for manufacturing a guiding tool
according to the invention comprises preparing a surgical guiding
tool according to the present invention.
As detailed hereinabove, such a surgical guiding tool comprises (i)
a guiding component for guiding a surgical instrument, (ii) a
cutting component comprising one or more cutting elements,
positioned so as to cut in the cartilage of the head of the bone
upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone head, (iii)
a collar spanning at least a part of the contour of the neck of the
bone but retaining an opening which allows passage of the neck at
least its smallest diameter and comprising a patient-specific
component, and (iv) a connecting structure connecting said collar
to said cutting component and/or to said guiding component, such
that said collar, said cutting component and said guiding component
are interconnected; wherein the connecting structure forms at least
one aperture allowing the passage of the bone head and ensuring
placement of the guiding component on the bone head upon placement
of the collar on the bone neck, and wherein the one or more cutting
elements are positioned such that a cutting element is present at
both sides of said at least one aperture and at a maximal angle of
90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on
the bone head; more particularly, where the cutting component
comprises at least two cutting elements, the at least two of the
two or more cutting elements are positioned each at a different
side of said at least one aperture and each at a maximal angle of
90.degree. from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the
lines connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of
the head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on
the bone head.
In particular embodiments, the step of preparing a surgical guiding
tool comprises designing the surgical guiding tool wherein: (i) the
position of the collar and optionally also the position of the
connecting element and cutting component and collar are determined
based on the image of the bone neck and head obtained in step (a);
(ii) the collar comprises a patient-specific component comprising
at least one patient-specific area based on the patient-specific
parts of the neck identified in step (b) and (iii) the guiding
component is positioned in the surgical guiding tool such that,
upon placement of the guiding tool on the bone head and neck, the
guiding component is positioned as determined in step (c).
In particular embodiments, the step of preparing the surgical
guiding tool implies producing and assembling the different parts
of the surgical guiding tool according to the invention, i.e.
producing a guiding component (as described herein), a cutting
component comprising two or more cutting elements (as described
herein), a collar comprising a patient-specific component (as
described herein) and a connecting structure, which interconnects
the different parts of the guiding tool. In particular embodiments,
where one or more of the components of the guiding tools of the
present invention are made of one piece, the step of "assembling"
may correspond to combining the relevant information for the
combined manufacture of the pieces involved.
More particularly, the step of preparing the surgical guiding tool
can involve positioning the connecting elements, cutting components
and collar such that the guiding tool fits onto the bone head. The
position of the connecting structures is not critical, as long as
it does not interfere with the surgical procedure, and is
determined by the required position of the cutting elements and the
collar. The cutting elements are positioned such that the cut into
the cartilage on the surface of the bone head upon placement of the
tool on the bone head. The collar is positioned such that it allows
interlocking of the patient-specific area(s) with the corresponding
region(s) on the bone neck. In particular embodiments, the step of
positioning the different elements can be performed as part of the
design of the device.
In particular embodiments, the methods of the present invention
comprise preparing a collar comprising a patient-specific component
comprising at least one patient-specific area based on the
patient-specific parts of the neck identified as described above.
The one or more patient-specific area(s) is(are) made by generating
a surface which is complementary to a patient-specific surface of
the bone neck of the patient. For converting a digital image
information of a part of the body into a basic model, template or
mould, of which at least a part perfectly shows the positive or
negative form of at least a portion of the part of the body, any
suitable technique known in the art can be used, such as for
example the rapid prototyping technique as described
hereinbelow.
In particular embodiments the step of preparing the surgical
guiding tool comprises the production of one or more elements by
rapid prototyping. In further particular embodiments, the step of
preparing the surgical guiding tool comprises the production of the
surgical guiding tool as defined in the present invention, by rapid
prototyping.
Rapid prototyping includes all techniques whereby an object is
built layer by layer or point per point by adding or hardening
material (also called free-form manufacturing). The best known
techniques of this type are stereolithography and related
techniques, whereby for example a basin with liquid synthetic
material is selectively cured layer by layer by means of a
computer-controlled electromagnetic beam; selective laser
sintering, whereby powder particles are sintered by means of an
electromagnetic beam or are welded together according to a specific
pattern; fused deposition modelling, whereby a synthetic material
is fused and is stacked according to a line pattern; laminated
object manufacturing, whereby layers of adhesive-coated paper,
plastic, or metal laminates are successively glued together and cut
to shape with a knife or laser cutter; or electron beam melting,
whereby metal powder is melted layer per layer with an electron
beam in a high vacuum.
In a particular embodiment, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
(RP&M) techniques, are used for manufacturing the surgical
guiding tool. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) can be
defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale
model of an object typically using three-dimensional (3-D) computer
aided design (CAD) data of the object. Currently, a multitude of
Rapid Prototyping techniques is available, including stereo
lithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused
Deposition Modeling (FDM), foil-based techniques, etc.
A common feature of these techniques is that objects are typically
built layer by layer. Stereo lithography, presently the most common
RP&M technique, utilizes a vat of liquid photopolymer "resin"
to build an object a layer at a time. On each layer, an
electromagnetic ray, e.g. one or several laser beams which are
computer-controlled, traces a specific pattern on the surface of
the liquid resin that is defined by the two-dimensional
cross-sections of the object to be formed. Exposure to the
electromagnetic ray cures, or, solidifies the pattern traced on the
resin and adheres it to the layer below. After a coat had been
polymerized, the platform descends by a single layer thickness and
a subsequent layer pattern is traced, adhering to the previous
layer. A complete 3-D object is formed by this process.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) uses a high power laser or another
focused heat source to sinter or weld small particles of plastic,
metal, or ceramic powders into a mass representing the
3-dimensional object to be formed.
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) and related techniques make use of
a temporary transition from a solid material to a liquid state,
usually due to heating. The material is driven through an extrusion
nozzle in a controlled way and deposited in the required place as
described among others in U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,680.
Foil-based techniques fix coats to one another by means of gluing
or photo polymerization or other techniques and cut the object from
these coats or polymerize the object. Such a technique is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,539.
Typically RP&M techniques start from a digital representation
of the 3-D object to be formed. Generally, the digital is sliced
into a series of cross-sectional layers which can be overlaid to
form the object as a whole. The RP&M apparatus uses this data
for building the object on a layer-by-layer basis. The
cross-sectional data representing the layer data of the 3-D object
may be generated using a computer system and computer aided design
and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.
A selective laser sintering (SLS) apparatus is particularly
preferred for the manufacture of the guiding template from a
computer model. It should be understood however, that various types
of rapid manufacturing and tooling may be used for accurately
fabricating these surgical templates including, but not limited to,
stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or
milling.
The surgical guiding tools of the invention (or parts thereof) may
be manufactured in different materials. Typically, only materials
that are biocompatible (e.g. USP class VI compatible) with the
human body are taken into account. Preferably the surgical template
is formed from a heat-tolerable material allowing it to tolerate
high-temperature sterilization. In the case SLS is used as a
RP&M technique, the surgical template may be fabricated from a
polyamide such as PA 2200 as supplied by EOS, Munich, Germany or
any other material known by those skilled in the art may also be
used.
It will be clear to the skilled person that the designing of a tool
or part thereof for direct or rotational placement and with or
without overhang (and the extent of the overhang) may put certain
requirements on the material to be used. Indeed, both the clasping
function of the cutting elements (and the supporting connecting
structure) and of the collar and the rotational movement of the
device over the bone head require a particular resilience of the
material. Indeed, the combination of the chosen material and design
should allow the user to manually press the guide over the head of
the femur.
Prior to creating a basic model, additional artificial elements
with a useful function can be added based on the digital
information and possibly based on additional external information.
The useful function of the element can be an indication of a
physical parameter, such as a position, a direction, a length or an
angle which are important during surgery or the shape of a bone
elevation. This way, an artificial model, template or mould can be
manufactured that uniquely fits onto, around or into the relevant
anatomy of the patient and contains precise openings to guide
surgical instruments (see for example WO 95/28688 "Method for
making a perfected medical model on the basis of digital image
information of a part of the body", Materialise N.V.).
In a further aspect, the present invention provides methods for
using the surgical guiding tools according to the invention to
ensure the correct placement of the guiding tool onto the bone
head. Such methods are applied upon using the guiding tools of the
invention for guiding the introduction of a surgical instrument
into or contacting a surgical instrument with the bone head.
Accordingly one aspect of the invention relates to methods for
accurate positioning of a surgical instrument onto, and optionally
introducing a surgical instrument into a head of a limb bone
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a surgical guiding tool
according to the present invention; (b) securing the surgical
guiding tool on the bone head and neck; and (c) introducing the
surgical instrument through the guiding component.
According to the present invention the methods for introducing a
surgical instrument into a head of a limb bone comprise the step of
providing a surgical instrument comprising (i) a guiding component
for guiding a surgical instrument, (ii) a cutting component
comprising two or more cutting elements, positioned so as to cut in
the cartilage of the head of the bone upon placement of the
surgical guiding tool on the bone head, (iii) a collar spanning at
least a part of the contour of the neck of the bone but retaining
an opening which allows passage of the neck at least its smallest
diameter and comprising a patient-specific component, and (iv) a
connecting structure connecting the collar to the cutting component
and/or to said guiding component, such that said collar, said
cutting component and the guiding component are interconnected;
wherein the connecting structure forms at least one aperture
allowing the passage of the bone head and ensuring placement of the
guiding component on the bone head upon placement of the collar on
the bone neck, and wherein the one or more cutting elements are
positioned such that a cutting element is present at both sides of
said at least one aperture and at a maximal angle of 90.degree.
from the interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines
connecting the edges of the aperture and the central axis of the
head of the bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the
bone head; more particularly, where the cutting component comprises
at least two cutting elements, at least two of the two or more
cutting elements are positioned each at a different side of said at
least one aperture and each at a maximal angle of 90.degree. from
the interior bisector of the angle formed by the lines connecting
the edges of the aperture and the central axis of the head of the
bone upon placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone
head.
Methods for producing the surgical guiding tool according to the
invention are detailed hereinabove.
The methods for accurately positioning a surgical instrument onto a
head of a limb bone and/or introducing a surgical instrument into a
head of a limb bone of the present invention further comprise the
step of securing the surgical guiding tool on the bone head and
neck.
More particularly, the step of securing the surgical guiding tool
on the bone head and neck implies that the guiding tool is placed
onto the patient's limb bone head in such a manner so as to allow
accurate and stable placement and optionally introduction of a
surgical instrument onto/into the head of the limb bone. The
present invention envisages different methods of securing the
guiding tools of the invention on the corresponding bone head,
referred to as "direct placement" and "rotation placement" methods
herein. As will be detailed below, most guiding tools described
herein can be secured onto the bone head for which it was designed
either by direct placement or rotation placement. However, in some
embodiments, the particular configuration of the guiding tool
requires that it is secured onto its final position by rotation,
thus requiring rotation placement. It is noted in this regard that
the placement of the surgical guiding tool on the bone head
according to the present invention is temporary and as such does
not represent a substantial physical intervention and does not
entail a substantial health risk for the patient.
In particular embodiments, the step of securing the surgical
guiding tool on the bone head and neck is performed by direct
placement. This implies that the guiding tool is placed onto the
bone head by moving the bone head into the aperture and by ensuring
that the patient-specific region of the neck corresponding to the
patient-specific area of the collar are directly contacted upon
placement. Typically, the guiding tool is moved towards the bone
head such that the axes of the device and the bone head are
parallel to each other, and the direction of movement is
perpendicular to the central axis of the bone head. In these
embodiments, no additional movements of the bone head in the
guiding tool are necessary to ensure a tight fit of the tool on the
bone head. Accordingly, in these embodiments of the methods of the
invention, the placing step first comprises positioning the
surgical guiding tool with the aperture (and opening) facing the
bone head (and neck) such that the patient-specific component in
the collar of the tool is positioned parallel to its complementary
surface on the bone neck (FIG. 5A). Indeed, the patient-specific
component of a guiding tool that is to be placed directly onto the
bone without any additional (rotational) movement) has to be
oriented in such a way that the one or more patient-specific areas
will directly be contacted with the corresponding regions of the
bone neck when the guiding tool is positioned onto the bone head.
The step of positioning the tool on the bone head thus further
comprises moving the surgical guiding tool over the bone head such
that the central axis of the bone head is perpendicular to the
direction of the movement until the patient-specific component of
the collar locks into the complementary surface(s) of the neck of
the bone, at the same time putting pressure on the cutting
component so as to position it tightly on the bone head.
Indeed, upon placing the guiding tool over the bone head, the
cutting elements or knife contacts are pushed into the cartilage of
the bone head by applying pressure. Typically, the final position
of the bone head is such that its central axis corresponds to the
central axis of the device and/or the central axis of the cutting
elements. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the surgical guiding
tool is placed on the bone head by: (i) moving the bone neck
through the opening of the bone-supported collar in a direction
perpendicular to the central axis of the bone head and neck and
(ii) introducing the cutting components comprising the cutting
elements into the cartilage of the bone head by applying pressure.
During this movement, the rigidity of the cutting component will
provide the cutting elements or knife contacts at both sides of the
aperture with opposing forces towards the surface of the cartilage
of the bone head, thus supplying the pressure needed for the
cutting elements to cut a groove in the cartilage of the bone
head.
As detailed herein, the cutting elements and the supporting
structures in the devices according to the invention maintain an
aperture which allows passage of the bone head. Similarly, the
collar, while it may span part of the contour of the neck in
particular embodiments, maintains an opening for passage of the
neck of the bone head. However, as further detailed herein, in
particular embodiments the opening and the aperture may correspond
to an angle of the bone head which is less than 180.degree.. Where
the material of the guiding tool is sufficiently resilient, this
will nevertheless allow passage of the bone head and neck using
some pressure. In those embodiments where the collar and/or cutting
component span a segment of the bone neck and/or bone head larger
than 180.degree., these structures will clasp around the bone head
and neck, respectively such that the surgical tool is clasped into
the cavity of the guiding tool and remains locked in position until
deliberately removed by means of a strong pulling force on the
surgical tool. Therefore, in particular embodiments of the methods
of the invention, the surgical guiding tools are secured onto the
bone with a higher stability, by making use of an overhang of the
edges of the aperture of the surgical tools when placed on the bone
head (accordingly forming an "undercut"). In these embodiments, the
bone head is clasped into the guiding tool. In particular
embodiments, the guiding tools designed for direct placement have
an overhang which corresponds to 200.degree..
In particular embodiments, the placement of the surgical guiding
tools of the present invention involves a rotational movement.
According to these particular embodiment, the step of securing the
tool onto the bone head first comprises positioning the surgical
guiding tool with the aperture and the opening facing the bone head
and neck such that the patient specific component of the collar is
aligned at an angle with its complementary surface on the bone neck
(FIG. 5B). This implies that when the surgical guiding tool is
placed onto the bone head, the patient-specific area(s) of the
collar is(are) not directly in contact with its corresponding
surface of the neck of the bone. Again, typically, the guiding tool
is moved towards the bone head such that the axes of the guiding
tool and the bone head are parallel to each other, and the
direction of movement is perpendicular to the central axis of the
bone head and the movement until the bone head is positioned within
the cavity of the device. Typically lateral movement stops when the
central axis of the guiding tool aligns with the central axis of
the bone head. However, in these embodiments, rotation of the
guiding tool over the bone head is necessary to align the patient
specific component with the corresponding structure(s) of the neck
of the bone. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the placement of
the guiding tool further comprises the step of rotating the
surgical guiding tool to align the patient specific component of
the collar with the corresponding region(s) of the neck of the bone
such that these interlock. Typically, where the collar is tightly
secured to the cutting elements, rotation of the collar implies
rotation of the entire guiding tool and will require applying
pressure on the cutting elements that are positioned at opposite
sides of the aperture in the cartilage of the bone head. This
results in the cutting of one or more grooves in the cartilage of
the bone head by the cutting elements.
In further particular embodiments, more particularly where use is
made of guiding tools which allow a rotational movement between the
collar and the structure comprising the cutting elements, the
placement of the tool comprises a rotational movement of only part
of the tool after positioning on the bone head. Accordingly, in
these embodiments, the placement step comprises positioning the
surgical guiding tool with the aperture (and opening) facing the
bone head (and neck) such that the patient-specific component in
the collar of the tool is positioned parallel to its complementary
surface on the bone neck and positioning the bone head into the
aperture. In these embodiments, the patient-specific region(s) of
the neck is(are) contacted directly with the corresponding
patient-specific area(s) of the collar upon placement. However, in
these embodiments of direct placement, part of the device
comprising the cutting component is after placement.
As described above, in particular embodiments of the invention, the
surgical guiding tools are tools which have been designed for use
on a bone head of which the neck is ellipsoids in cross-section,
such as the femur. More particularly, in specific embodiments of
the guiding tools of the invention, the collar ellipsoid in
cross-section and is designed to span the femur neck over more than
180.degree.. In further particular embodiments of these tools, the
opening of the collar is positioned such that the axis connecting
the ends of the opening is not perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the collar. More particularly the opening is positioned
such that tit is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the (plane
formed by) the collar. In these embodiments, the neck of the femur
fits through the opening of the collar only in one direction, i.e.
by passing the neck through by its minor axis. However, in order to
fit the neck into its collar, rotation of the surgical tool is
required.
Thus in particular embodiments, the methods of placing the surgical
guiding tool of the invention on the bone head include the step of
introducing the bone neck by its smallest diameter through the
opening of the collar and placing the surgical guiding tool over
the bone. The methods then further comprise rotating the surgical
guiding tool to align the collar with the neck of the bone such
that the patient-specific component of the collar locks into the
complementary surface of the neck of the bone.
While rotating the guiding tool over the bone head, the cutting
elements or knife contacts are introduced into the cartilage of the
bone head by applying pressure. Accordingly, in these embodiments,
the surgical guiding tool is placed on the bone by: (i) positioning
the opening of the collar towards the bone neck at its smallest
diameter and pushing the bone neck through the opening of the
bone-supported collar and at the same time (ii) positioning the
cutting components comprising the cutting elements on the cartilage
of the bone head while applying pressure. According to these
specific embodiments, the step of securing the tool onto the bone
head further comprises rotating the surgical guiding tool to align
the collar with the neck of the bone such that the patient-specific
component of the collar locks into the complementary surface of the
neck of the bone. Typically (but not necessarily), the surgical
guiding tool is correctly positioned onto the bone head by turning
the surgical tool into place by means of a rotation around a moving
axis parallel to the central axis of the bone neck. Again, during
this movement, the rigidity of the cutting component will provide
the cutting elements or knife contacts at both sides of the
aperture with opposing forces towards the surface of the cartilage
of the bone head, thus supplying the pressure needed for the
cutting elements to cut through the cartilage. The groove that is
created by certain cutting elements during the rotational movement
may accommodate other adjacently positioned cutting elements once
the surgical guiding tool is put in place, providing additional
stability.
Accordingly, the particular embodiments of the rotation placement
methods described above are particularly suited when using surgical
guiding tools that comprise a collar spanning the contour of the
bone neck by more than 180.degree. and which forms a plane having
one longitudinal axis, wherein the opening (as described herein) is
positioned such that the axis connecting the ends of the opening is
not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plane formed by
the collar. More particularly, guiding tools wherein the axis
connecting the ends of the opening is positioned such that it is
parallel with the longitudinal axis of the plane formed by the
collar are particularly suited for the methods of the present
invention whereby placement of the guiding tool on the bone is
performed by a rotational movement.
Again, the cutting elements and the supporting structures in the
devices for use in the methods according to the invention maintain
an aperture which allows passage of the bone head. Similarly, the
collar, while it may span part of the contour of the neck in
particular embodiments, maintains an opening for passage of the
neck of the bone head. However, as further detailed hereinabove, in
particular embodiments the opening and the aperture may correspond
to an angle of the bone head which is less than 180.degree.. Where
the material of the guiding tool is sufficiently resilient, this
will nevertheless allow passage of the bone head and neck using
some pressure. In those embodiments where the collar and/or cutting
component span a segment of the bone neck and/or bone head larger
than 180.degree., these structures will clasp around the bone head
and neck, respectively such that the surgical tool is clasped into
the cavity of the guiding tool and remains locked in position until
deliberately removed by means of a strong pulling force on the
surgical tool. Therefore, in particular embodiments of the methods
of the invention, the surgical guiding tools are secured onto the
bone with a higher stability, by making use of an overhang of the
edges of the aperture of the surgical tools when placed on the bone
head (accordingly forming an "undercut"). In these embodiments, the
bone head is clasped into the guiding tool. In particular
embodiments, the guiding tools designed for rotational placement
have an overhang which corresponds to 200.degree.. However, it has
been found that the stability of the devices which are designed for
placement by rotational placement methods is further improved when
the overhang f the cutting elements corresponds to 220.degree..
The methods for introducing a surgical instrument into a bone head
according to the invention further comprise, after securing the
surgical guiding tool on the bone head the step of introducing the
surgical instrument through the guiding component. Thus, in the
methods according to the present invention, the guiding component
of the surgical guiding tools is positioned on a unique and stable
position, specific for a patient and intended to be used for
guiding a surgical instrument, according to a prior determined
position, direction and/or path and/or depth. At least part of the
surgical instrument is therefore introduced through a hole, a
cannula, a channel or a slot or along a flat surface to engage the
head of the bone at the desired location.
The surgical guiding tools and methods according to the present
invention are applicable to limb bones, more particularly to major
limb bones. Major limb bones as described herein are particularly
long major limb bones, such as the femur, the tibia, the fibula,
the humerus, the ulna, and the radius.
The guiding tools according to the present invention are designed
for placement on the head and the neck or collar of a limb bone,
more particularly of a major limb bone. Typically, the head of a
limb bone is the expanded distal end or the upper rounded extremity
of that bone, which fits into a cavity of another bone thereby
making part of a joint. Typically, the neck (or collar) of a limb
bone is a flattened pyramidal process of bone, connecting the bone
head with the bone shaft and forming with the latter a wide angle
opening medialward. The cross-section of the bone neck is generally
ellipsoid, but can also be substantially circular. However, it will
be understood by the skilled person that the guiding tools of the
invention can also be applied on any extremity of a limb bone which
comprises an expanded end piece and a more restricted area which is
connected to the expanded end piece, even if this extremity is not
generally referred to in the art as comprising a bone "head" and
"neck".
The surgical guiding tools of the present invention are
particularly suitable for use on the femur head. Accordingly, the
surgical guiding tools of the invention are particularly suitable
for introduction or contacting of surgical instruments into or with
the femur (head) during hip surgery. The femur head (Latin: caput
femoris) is the highest part of the thigh bone. It is supported by
the femur neck. The head is globular and forms rather more than a
hemisphere, is directed upward, medialward, and a little forward,
the greater part of its convexity being above and in front. The
femur neck (Latin: collum femoris) is a flattened pyramidal process
of bone, connecting the femoral head with the femoral shaft.
The surgical guiding tools of the present invention are
particularly suitable for guiding surgical tools with the object of
drilling, cutting, sawing, milling, or performing a similar action
on a bone head. Such interventions are typically required for
performing bone-resurfacing, such as in hip resurfacing.
Accordingly, the invention provides for tools according to the
invention for use in bone resurfacing, more particularly bone
resurfacing and methods of bone resurfacing which involve the
guiding of a surgical instrument with the guiding tools according
to the invention. It is clear to the skilled person that the tools
of the present invention can be of use in any procedure which
requires accurate positioning of a surgical tool in a bone head. In
particular embodiments the invention provides methods of performing
hip resurfacing on a patient in need thereof which methods comprise
the step of placing a surgical guiding tool according to the
invention on the femur head of the patient to ensure adequate
guidance of a surgical instrument.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous
variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention
without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention as
broadly described. The above described embodiments are, therefore,
to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive.
* * * * *